Viral Police Station Reel Lands Youths in Legal Trouble in Jharkhand

In a striking incident highlighting the fine line between social media creativity and legal boundaries, two young men in Jharkhand’s Palamu district have found themselves facing a First Information Report (FIR) after filming and uploading an Instagram Reel from inside a local police station. The video quickly went viral, prompting immediate action from the authorities.

The incident reportedly took place at the TOP-1 police station in Medininagar, Palamu. The controversial video showed one of the accused dramatically walking out of a police lock-up, accompanied by background audio that police sources later described as “offensive” and capable of hurting the sentiments of a certain community. This cinematic stunt, presumably intended to gain traction and likes on the popular photo and video-sharing platform, instead led to a severe reprimand and legal consequences.

Following the circulation of the video across various social media platforms, the police took suo motu cognizance of the matter. The in-charge of the TOP-1 police station, Indradev Paswan, lodged a formal written complaint, based on which an FIR was registered. The two individuals, identified as Rohit Pandey (alias Devil Pandey) and Suraj Kumar, have been booked under relevant sections of the recently enacted Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police officials confirmed that the videos were subsequently deleted from the social media accounts of the accused. Furthermore, both youths were brought to the police station where they submitted a written apology for their actions. They were later released on a Personal Recognition (PR) bond, with an official investigation into the matter currently underway.

This episode serves as a clear warning about the misuse of public and official spaces for personal social media content. While the quest for viral fame is a growing trend, law enforcement agencies are making it increasingly clear that police stations—sites of serious legal and administrative work—are not intended as backdrops for entertainment reels. The quick action by the Palamu police underscores their commitment to maintaining the dignity and sanctity of government institutions and ensuring that public spaces are not exploited for potentially disruptive or offensive social media content. The case is a reminder to content creators to exercise prudence and respect for law and order while producing material for the digital space.